Demonstration of concept for fabrication of lunar physical assets utilizing lunar regolith simulant and a geothermite reaction

NASA's anticipated return to the Moon by 2020 and subsequent establishment of a lunar base will necessitate the development of methods to utilize lunar resources for various construction and resource extraction applications. In this study the design of a lunar physical asset utilizing in-situ resources available at the lunar surface was examined. The design incorporated a voussoir dome type of architecture that has been in use for centuries on Earth. Production of the desired dome elements was accomplished by initiating a geothermite reaction in a mixture of lunar regolith simulant and aluminum powder. Shaping of voussoir elements was accomplished during the reaction using a custom fabricated silica-slip crucible to contain the geothermite reactant mixture. The product of the reaction retained the shape of the crucible. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.